Afghanistan has announced its ODI squad for the series against Bangladesh, missing key players due to injuries. Sediqullah Atal has been called up and Noor Ahmad returns to strengthen the spin department. The series is crucial for preparation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, with matches scheduled in Sharjah, UAE.
Afghanistan has announced its squad for the forthcoming One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, which will take place in Sharjah, UAE. The team will be without the services of notable players Ibrahim Zadran, who is in recovery after undergoing ankle surgery, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is unavailable due to a finger injury. To cover for Zadran’s absence, the left-hand batter Sediqullah Atal has been called up; Atal has previously participated in six T20 International matches and currently holds the title of leading run-scorer in the Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup. Moreover, Noor Ahmad has been recalled to the side to bolster the spin department, having missed the earlier ODI series against South Africa. The remainder of the squad has remained unchanged following Afghanistan’s successful 2-1 series victory over South Africa in Sharjah. The Afghanistan Cricket Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Naseeb Khan, emphasized the importance of this upcoming series, stating that “ODI cricket remains a top priority as we prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy.” The matches are scheduled as follows: – 1st ODI: November 06, 2024, Sharjah, UAE – 2nd ODI: November 09, 2024, Sharjah, UAE – 3rd ODI: November 11, 2024, Sharjah, UAE The complete squad for Afghanistan is as follows: Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmat Shah (Vice Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper), Ikram Alikhil (Wicketkeeper), Abdul Malik, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran, and Farid Ahmad Malik.
This announcement comes at a crucial point for the Afghanistan cricket team as they prepare for a pivotal ODI series against Bangladesh, which will serve as an important stage for assessing player performances ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Adequate preparation is essential for the team, particularly following their recent successes and setbacks in international competitions. The inclusion of players based on current performance metrics, such as those highlighted in the Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, indicates the strategic planning involved in team selection. Moreover, the importance of maintaining a competitive squad while managing injuries could have a significant impact on the team’s overall performance.
In summary, Afghanistan’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh reflects a careful selection process, accommodating for injuries while reinforcing areas deemed essential for success. The strategic call-up of Sediqullah Atal and the return of Noor Ahmad are pivotal steps taken by the team management as they aim not only for success in this series but also as part of their larger aim of excelling in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The emphasis on ODI cricket by the Afghanistan Cricket Board is indicative of their commitment towards fostering a competitive edge in international cricket.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
